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BBC Planet Earth #1
Planet Earth: As You've Never Seen It Before
A visual odyssey that will change the way we see our planet, this remarkable book, companion to the acclaimed Discovery Channel/ BBC series, is an enduring and awe-inspiring record of one of the most ambitious natural history projects ever undertaken. Using the latest aerial surveillance, state-of-the-art cameras, and high definition technology, the creators of Planet Earth have assembled more than 400 stunning photographs of wondrous natural landscapes from around the globe, including incredible footage of the rarely spotted, almost mythical creatures that live in these habitats. Many of the images reveal inaccessible places that few have seen and record animal behavior that has never been filmed or photographed before. With the help of this highly advanced technology and the world's premier wildlife photographers, the book takes us on a spectacular journey from the world's greatest rivers and impressive gorges, to its mightiest mountains, hidden caves and caverns, and vast deserts. Planet Earth captures breathtaking sequences of predators and their prey, lush vistas of forests viewed from the tops of towering trees, the oceans and their mysterious creatures viewed from beneath the surface, and much more—in a magnificent adventure that brings unknown wonders of the natural world into our living rooms.
BBC Worldwide Americas
BBC Worldwide Americas
312 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2007
15 people are currently reading
908 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 8, 2021
I, like a lot of people, thoroughly enjoy a lot of the TV documentaries that the BBC Natural History Unit produce - and especially so if they're narrated/presented by Sir David Attenborough as he seems to bring out the most of the presentation, despite the filming often being the significant element!
This 'Planet Earth' book, along with many others of the 'book of the programme' genre based on the BBC Natural History Unit's work, is an excellent example of why still photos and text can often compare very favourably, even better, than video/voice.
This is especially so as a fairly recent trend (ie problem!) is to almost 'drown out' what we see and hear with music deemed to be dramatically relevant to the moment being 'covered'. The narration can also be rather simplistic, generic ands a bit 'twee' for my liking....
With this book you enjoy the best of what 'Planet Earth' had to offer, at your own pace and with a wealth of quite stunning photos reproduced to the best possible effect on good quality paper - albeit that the soothing tones of Sir David are absent!
This 'Planet Earth' book, along with many others of the 'book of the programme' genre based on the BBC Natural History Unit's work, is an excellent example of why still photos and text can often compare very favourably, even better, than video/voice.
This is especially so as a fairly recent trend (ie problem!) is to almost 'drown out' what we see and hear with music deemed to be dramatically relevant to the moment being 'covered'. The narration can also be rather simplistic, generic ands a bit 'twee' for my liking....
With this book you enjoy the best of what 'Planet Earth' had to offer, at your own pace and with a wealth of quite stunning photos reproduced to the best possible effect on good quality paper - albeit that the soothing tones of Sir David are absent!
Currently reading
January 31, 2025My mother gifted me this book. A nice coffee table book which my grandkids like to look at the pictures .
Figure this is not a bad place to put some random earth factoids . I am trying to retain
Figure this is not a bad place to put some random earth factoids . I am trying to retain
June 19, 2009
The first thing that a reader notes, as he or she leafs through the pages of this volume, is the spectacular color photos. This work is a companion to a series on Discovery Channel and BBC. The goal of the series and the book is described by David Attenborough in the Foreword: "So this remarkable and beautiful book should stand not just as a revelation and celebration of the wonders that our planet still retains at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It must surely also be seen as an eloquent rallying call to all of us who care for the Earth's welfare to redouble our efforts to protect those wonders that still survive."
The "chapters" of this work include the following: The Whole Earth, Frozen Poles, The Great Forests, The Great Plains, The Great Sands, Mountain Heights, The Underworld, Fresh Water, Rainforests, Shallow Seas, and Open Ocean Depths.
Some stunning satellite photos are included. On pages 160-161, there is a satellite view of rain clouds being pushed across India by monsoon winds. On pages 222-223, there is another wonderful satellite photo of the world's largest river delta.
The chapter on rainforests (Chapter 9) is also beautiful. Whether satellite photos or more "up close" pictures, this chapter shows us the lustrous appearance of rainforests. We also see the animals living in the rainforests.
This review does not contain much analysis or critique; this is one of those books where I choose simply to appreciate the artistry of the photos and go from there.
The "chapters" of this work include the following: The Whole Earth, Frozen Poles, The Great Forests, The Great Plains, The Great Sands, Mountain Heights, The Underworld, Fresh Water, Rainforests, Shallow Seas, and Open Ocean Depths.
Some stunning satellite photos are included. On pages 160-161, there is a satellite view of rain clouds being pushed across India by monsoon winds. On pages 222-223, there is another wonderful satellite photo of the world's largest river delta.
The chapter on rainforests (Chapter 9) is also beautiful. Whether satellite photos or more "up close" pictures, this chapter shows us the lustrous appearance of rainforests. We also see the animals living in the rainforests.
This review does not contain much analysis or critique; this is one of those books where I choose simply to appreciate the artistry of the photos and go from there.
July 15, 2012
Truly amazing. The parts I most liked:
1- caves: how time could be halted there for tens of thousands of years.
2-coral reefs: "There can be few pleasures in nature that compare with snorkelling over a rich coral reef". The surrounding land of the shores of the Red Sea is a true desert. "It is all the more surprising then to stick your head under water and discover a world so rich in wonderful designs and bright colours that you almost wonder if you have been affected by a hallucinogenic drug".
3-deep ocean depths: No. You are not watching a science fiction. These are all real creatures.
1- caves: how time could be halted there for tens of thousands of years.
2-coral reefs: "There can be few pleasures in nature that compare with snorkelling over a rich coral reef". The surrounding land of the shores of the Red Sea is a true desert. "It is all the more surprising then to stick your head under water and discover a world so rich in wonderful designs and bright colours that you almost wonder if you have been affected by a hallucinogenic drug".
3-deep ocean depths: No. You are not watching a science fiction. These are all real creatures.
March 4, 2010
I love the Planet Earth DVD set, so when I saw this book I new I had to read it. It is a great book and I still use it to get information from when I send out Trivia Questions. :-)
October 15, 2007
I guess this book is one of my favourite of all times.
I absolutely love the Planet Earth DVDs and so I just had to have a look at the book (thank God for libraries).
The pictues are just awesome and I couldn't stop showing my hubby every single one of them (for some reason he didn't seem to care too much...)
I absolutely love the Planet Earth DVDs and so I just had to have a look at the book (thank God for libraries).
The pictues are just awesome and I couldn't stop showing my hubby every single one of them (for some reason he didn't seem to care too much...)
February 16, 2008
the companion volume to the astonishing bbc series of the same name. while much of the content is the same, there are photographs that did not appear in the televised version. as well, the text adds considerable depth to the breathtaking photography, though leaves you wishing david attenborough were present to read it to you.
June 26, 2017
Loved this! I adore both the old and new versions of the on-screen Planet Earth, and the book was just as wonderful (with, obviously, a lot more information). Great as a "coffee table book", or to just read cover to cover (which I did).
February 26, 2008
Absolutely wonderful photography and some really interesting chapters too.
August 8, 2015
Very pleasing companion if you liked the series. Definitely worthwhile.
August 13, 2020
It's taken me a while to read this book - I keep leaving it and coming back to it, but it is really interesting. I did find it quite heavy going at times. Some of the science went over my head a bit, and I had to Google some parts to make sure I understood.
It was the photos that really grabbed my attention. They're so vivid and well framed. I'm not a very good photographer at the best of times so I guess a good photo really makes me feel like I'm really seeing things, and not just through a lens.
It was an incredibly interesting read, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the natural world and how animals relate to their surroundings.
It was the photos that really grabbed my attention. They're so vivid and well framed. I'm not a very good photographer at the best of times so I guess a good photo really makes me feel like I'm really seeing things, and not just through a lens.
It was an incredibly interesting read, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the natural world and how animals relate to their surroundings.
August 31, 2022
Incredible! A masterpiece throughout. The fantastic photography and interesting discussions left me in awe and I learnt plenty of new things from this book. A must read for people with any interest in the world and wildlife.
September 26, 2018
Excellent photography with extra ordinary explanation about our planet
August 6, 2021
I think watching the documentary is so much better than reading the book.
August 30, 2019
This book is totally awesome.
November 14, 2008
Beautiful and interesting too.Based on TV series, it gave a broad picture of our planet with a description of the plants and animals who inhabit the various land and sea zones. Not only was it full of fascinating examples and marvellous photographs, the book clearly explained why the zones were different. A lovely book either to study or to use on the coffee table to dip in and out of at odd moments.
September 21, 2013
Planet Earth is a book about the amazing wildlife events and Features on earth. The book showcases great natural events and takes you on a journey through the animals life and their great migrations.The book also teaches you about the history of natural features and structures and how they became to be what we see today all through spectacular photography.The book summarizes a number of episodes of the BBC documentary narrated by David Attenborough all in one.
March 26, 2008
The DVD (BBC) of this is absolutely, eye-popping incredible.
Earth and its inhabitants and regions like you've never seen it before. It is about cherishing what we have, not lamenting what we are losing or wasting.
Wonderfully narrated by David Attenborough.
Do not miss this!!
Earth and its inhabitants and regions like you've never seen it before. It is about cherishing what we have, not lamenting what we are losing or wasting.
Wonderfully narrated by David Attenborough.
Do not miss this!!
May 23, 2008
This book is filled with 400 amazing photographs which have been carefully and been taken with hours of preparation of landscapes. You will also see amazing photographs of creature you had no idea even existed. The TV series is also amazing to watch.
June 3, 2007
To said that I've read this book isn't exactly true. I looked at the pictures and read the captions. Watch the 11 part documentary was good enough for me. The pictures in the book are beautiful.
November 14, 2007
Stunningly gorgeous. Absolutely breathtaking.
December 5, 2007
we live here ..and all share this earth...how lucky are we!
March 31, 2008
Interesting! I loved seeing animals in their various habitats.
February 12, 2008
We got this book for Christmas, I haven't read it word for word, but I have enjoyed looking through it, the pictures are amazing.
March 26, 2008
the images in this are amazing! If you love animals, the earth, weather, the ocean, you will love this book!
April 1, 2008
Just as good as the bbc dvd set. I'm glad they compiled this into a book. Some really great photography.
May 7, 2008
Awesome picture book!
May 28, 2008
Beautiful Photos! I saw amazing things in this book.
July 16, 2008
This is also available in a DVD series, narrated by David Attenborough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews